Principal Product Development Engineer

ITP (International Talent Partnership); Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

International Talent Partnership (ITP) is seeking a Principal Product Development Engineer to drive research, development, and validation of emerging technologies and engineered systems. You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and commercial teams to advance prototypes from concept to implementation.

The role requires leadership, mentoring, and the ability to design and validate complex products, with a focus on data-centre cooling and HVAC applications in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in product engineering, R&D, or systems engineering.
• Experience in data-centre cooling, HVAC, thermal management, or related industry preferred.
• Master's degree in Engineering desirable.

Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate emerging technologies for new products, equipment, and systems.
• Develop technology roadmaps and identify opportunities involving complementary technologies or IP.
• Prepare proposals and business cases for R&D projects with scope, methodology, schedule, budget, risk and outcomes.
• Design mechanical, electrical, structural, and control systems for prototype equipment and components.
• Lead or support cross-functional design reviews for research, product, and system projects.
• Develop test plans, procedures, fixtures, and equipment for prototype validation.
• Mentor engineering teams and provide technical guidance on complex projects.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation including drawings, BOMs, specifications and reports.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Heat transfer

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Multitasking across teams

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Engineering (desirable)

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

International Talent Partnership (ITP) is supporting a leading manufacturer of highly customised cooling and environmental-control solutions in their search for a Principal Product Development Engineer. This is an opportunity to join a highly technical, forward-thinking team and play a key role in the research, development, and implementation of emerging technologies, innovative products, and complex engineered systems.

Role Summary

The Principal Product Development Engineer is a senior technical role responsible for researching, developing, and validating emerging technologies, new products, and engineered systems.

Working across mechanical, electrical, controls, manufacturing, and commercial teams, the role will solve complex engineering challenges, support strategic development projects, and help move concepts from initial research through prototype testing and implementation. The position will also provide technical leadership and mentoring to engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and evaluate emerging technologies for new products, equipment, and systems.
• Develop technology roadmaps and identify opportunities involving complementary technologies or intellectual property.
• Prepare proposals and business cases for research and product-development projects, including scope, methodology, schedule, budget, risk, and expected outcomes.
• Design mechanical, electrical, structural, and control systems for prototype equipment and components.
• Assess complex product opportunities for technical feasibility, commercial viability, profitability, and risk.
• Work with customers and commercial teams to develop engineered solutions for complex opportunities.
• Lead or support cross-functional design reviews for research, product, and system projects.
• Develop test plans, procedures, fixtures, and equipment for prototype validation.
• Support prototype testing, analyse results, and produce technical reports and improvement recommendations.
• Prepare technical white papers, engineering standards, and best-practice guidance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry codes, regulations, and certification requirements, including AHRI, UL, and ASHRAE standards.
• Mentor engineering teams and provide technical guidance on complex projects.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, specifications, test records, and reports.
• Prepare CAPEX and OPEX proposals for research and development activities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least seven years of experience in product engineering, research and development, systems engineering, or a related field.
• Experience within data-centre cooling, HVAC, thermal management, industrial equipment, or a related industry is preferred.
• A master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline is desirable.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, such as SolidWorks or Creo.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer.
• Experience with engineering analysis, simulation, testing, and validation.
• Knowledge of product lifecycle management systems and ERP integration.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and industry standards.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and product certification processes.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

Why This Role?

This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of advanced cooling, HVAC, and data-centre technology, helping to shape new products and solve complex engineering challenges with real commercial impact. It would suit an experienced engineer who enjoys combining hands‑on technical development with strategic thinking, cross‑functional collaboration, and the chance to influence future technology direction.